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Hotels that used to be a monastery and a hospital

We were staying in many different hotels on this road trip. As we would stay only one night at each place, I have tried to book into some of the more interesting hotels where possible. If my choice turned out to be a disaster, it would have been bearable for only one night.

So here we are in a hotel which used to be a monastery and we are in Cell 203.

This place has kept many of its old features and furniture. But thank God, the amenities are not on keeping with its previous monk traditions. Nice warm bath and off to bed early as I was woken up too early this morning with a chirpy text from the older son who was feeling euphoric and having a blast skiing in Austria.

Last night we stayed at a converted hospital. It was beautifully done with a large central atrium with comfortable sofas to sit on. The rooms had really high ceilings and beautiful stone walls and were generous in size. The decor was luxuriously understated and absolutely lovely.

BUT…… a hospital? Where many people had been ill and died, etc…. That does creep me out. I suppose my upbringing in Asia where superstitions abound is pretty ingrained in me. It is funny how sometimes something like this will catch me unawares and then I remember that I have a God who is above all these scary stuff.

Funny enough, I had one of the best night’s sleep.

One final visit at the sandy beach in Portimao before heading inland towards Beja with its lone castle remnant on top of a hill. We were able to climb up to the ramparts and then on to the tower. I am unfit and found the climb up the stairs quite hard going but what gorgeous views we get from the top amidst the blue skies and fluffy clouds.

We drove on to Evora to stay the night. It was rather challenging following the sat nav which led us on to even more narrow cobbled roads with sharp turns. Now I know why there are so many compact cars in this town. Big powerful saloon cars are great for overtaking trucks on the road but can be hair raising on these small roads. Especially so when the rental car insurance excess is in the region of Eur 5,000!

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Amber Hatcher is an avid traveller and loves to share her excitement and joy of her journeys and experiences. Good wholesome and healthy food is her other passion. Amber earns her living in the banking and clearing world and also has a property business.

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About me

Amber Hatcher is an avid traveller and loves to share her excitement and joy of her journeys and experiences. Good wholesome and healthy food is her other passion. Amber earns her living in the banking and clearing world and also has a property business.